1) WITH the State Budget due to be handed down on Thursday, now is the time to look at some of the key questions it will answer — the first being: Have they fixed the Budget?

The Tasmanian Liberals went to the election promising to “fix the Budget mess” left by Labor and the Greens. The public may forgive the Treasurer for the delay providing the Budget shows a clear path to recovery – and proof that they didn’t spend too much and over promise in the lead-up to the election.

The Liberals had promised to reduce the size of the public sector by the equivalent of 500 full time staff. Since the March election they say they have found an additional 1000 (FTE) jobs that should have gone under the last government.

A pay freeze, they say, could save 500 jobs – meaning the axe is still hangs over 1000 public sector jobs.

3) What impact has the Federal “tough love” Budget had on Tasmania?

The State Government has said Tasmania was left $2.1 billion worse off after the Federal Government unveiled their unpopular Federal Budget.

The Government has countered big hits to health and education a little in the past week, but there appears to still be a major shortfall.

4) Will the full Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment continue?

The Treasurer has promised funding for the $365 million Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment is still in the bank.

With southern Tasmanians desperate to see the project back up and going tomorrow’s Budget will hopefully shed some light on the project.

5) Will Forestry Tasmania continue to get Government support?

After the election the Tasmanian Liberals promised they would stop “propping up” Forestry Tasmania.

But last week Mr Gutwein told the Mercury: “We are working with Forestry Tasmania to put them on a pathway to sustainability.”

When is subsidy not a subsidy?

6) What money will be available for infrastructure?

Tasmania’s burgeoning information, communications and technology sector has been calling for the Government to provide funding to link up to a submarine cable linking Asia with Australia.

7) What Boards and Committees will be cut?

The State Government promised to save $9.5 million on Boards and Committees over the forward estimates. Tomorrow they will need to say which ones need to go.

8) Where is future revenue going to come from?

Hits to GST and other Commonwealth payments always have a big impact on the State’s bottom line. But after ruling out any new taxes, the answers for future revenue growth are among the most intriguing from this budget.

9) Will the government rob Peter to pay Paul?

The Government has promised not to do anything that will compromise the company responsible for Tasmania’s Bass Strait passenger ferries.

10) How bare is the stationery cupboard?

A constant frustration for local reporters and the Liberals political opponents in the lead up to the March election was how a Liberal Government would find $18.5 million in savings each year from “supplies and consumables” – including consultants. We can’t wait to find out.

Comments on this story

Trevor Mitcham of Glenorchy Posted at 10:55 AM August 28, 2014

Its a catch 22 Adriana Huffington. I understand and like your suggestions. However, as Leigh McLean has said, we know we cant afford to keep paying the number of public servants we have, but we cant afford to sack them either. Unfunded superannuation has been a thorn in the side of the Labor Government ever since it took office. This huge problem now rests with the current Liberal Government. They at least acknowledge the problem.

Richard Kopf of Hobart Posted at 10:00 AM August 28, 2014

It would be useful if the comments were about policy or sound political argument, not simply a forum for welded on, blinkered, party hacks to fire salvos at each other. The "Labor financial mess" was, primarily, caused by the GFC and a drop in revenues. The Liberals have now got the reins and this budget will give them the chance to prove if they have the "ticker" to govern for all Tasmanians in their best interests.

Leigh McLean of Queensland Posted at 11:37 PM August 27, 2014

So Adriana the next question is: And then? Before most public servants can be sacked their superannuation debt needs to be paid up so they can roll it over. It is very simple for the "Government to tell them to get on with it", but another thing entirely to find the money to sack all of the public servants that are no longer required. This will cost at least a billion dollars and likely much more. Why do you think it hasn't been tackled already?